Healing components for use in taking impressions and methods for making the same

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a healing abutment for attachment to a dental implant with marking locations thereon. The marking locations either lack or have markers that provide a binary code system for retrieving unique information about the healing abutment and the underlying implant.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/710,208, filed Nov. 10, 2000, which claimed thebenefit of priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 60/164,521, filedNov. 10, 1999.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a healing abutment ina dental implant system. More particularly, the present inventionrelates to the use of a binary marking system on the exterior of ahealing abutment to identify unique characteristics of the healingabutment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The dental restoration of a partially or wholly edentulouspatient with artificial dentition is typically done in two stages. Inthe first stage, an incision is made through the gingiva to expose theunderlying bone. An artificial tooth root, usually a dental implant, isplaced in the jawbone for integration. The dental implant generallyincludes a threaded bore to receive a retaining screw holding matingcomponents therein. During the first stage, the gum tissue overlying theimplant is sutured and heals as the osseointegration process continues.

[0004] Once the osseointegration process is complete, the second stageis initiated. Here, the gum tissue is re-opened to expose the end of thedental implant. A healing component or healing abutment is fastened tothe exposed end of the dental implant to allow the gum tissue to healtherearound. Preferably, the gum tissue heals such that the aperturethat remains generally approximates the size and contour of the aperturethat existed around the natural tooth that is being replaced. Toaccomplish this, the healing abutment attached to the exposed end of thedental implant has the same general contour as the gingival portion ofthe natural tooth being replaced. It should be noted that the healingabutment can be placed on the implant immediately after the implant hasbeen installed and before osseointegration.

[0005] During the typical second stage of dental restoration, thehealing abutment is removed and an impression coping is fitted onto theexposed end of the implant. This allows an impression of the specificregion of the patient's mouth to be taken so that an artificial tooth isaccurately constructed. Thus, in typical dental implant systems, thehealing component and the impression coping are two physically separatecomponents. Preferably, the impression coping has the same gingivaldimensions as the healing component so that there is no gap between theimpression coping and the wall of the gum tissue defining the aperture.Otherwise, a less than accurate impression of the condition of thepatient's mouth is taken. The impression coping may be a “pick-up”-typeimpression coping or a “transfer”-type impression coping, both known inthe art. After these second stage processes, a dental laboratory createsa prosthesis to be permanently secured to the dental implant from theimpression that was made.

[0006] In addition to the method that uses the impression material andmold to manually develop a prosthesis, systems exist that utilizescanning technology to assist in generating a prosthesis. A scanningdevice is used in one of at least three different approaches. First, ascanning device can scan the region in the patient's mouth where theprosthesis is to be placed without the need to use impression materialsor to construct a mold. Second, the impression material that is removedfrom the healing abutment and the surrounding area is scanned to producethe permanent components. Third, a dentist can scan the stone model ofthe dental region that was formed from the impression material or scanthe stone model.

[0007] Three basic scanning techniques exist: laser scanning,photographic imaging, and mechanical sensing. Each scanning technique isused or modified for any of the above-listed approaches (a scan of thestone model, a scan of the impression material, or a scan in the mouthwithout using impression material) to create the prosthesis.

[0008] After scanning, a laboratory can create and manufacture thepermanent crown or bridge, usually using a computer-aided design (“CAD”)package.

[0009] The utilization of a CAD program, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,338,198 (Wu), whose disclosure is incorporated herein by reference, isone method of scanning a dental region to create a three-dimensionalmodel. Preferably, after the impression is taken of the patient's mouth,the impression material or stone model is placed on a support tabledefining the X-Y plane. A scanning laser light probe is directed ontothe model. The laser light probe emits a pulse of laser light that isreflected by the model. A detector receives light scattered from theimpact of the beam with the impression to calculate a Z-axismeasurement. The model and the beam are relatively translated within theX-Y plane to gather a plurality of contact points with known locationsin the X-Y coordinate plane. The locations of several contact points inthe Z-plane are determined by detecting reflected light. Finally,correlating data of the X-Y coordinates and the Z-direction contactpoints creates a digital image. Once a pass is complete, the model maybe tilted to raise one side of the mold relative to the oppositevertically away from the X-Y plane. Subsequent to the model's secondscan, the model may be further rotated to allow for a more accuratereading of the model. After all scans are complete, the data may be fedinto a CAD system for manipulation of this electronic data by knownmeans.

[0010] Photographic imaging can also be used to scan impressionmaterial, a stone model, or directly in the mouth. For example, onesystem takes photographs at multiple angles in one exposure to scan adental region, create a model, and manufacture a prosthetic tooth. Asdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,851,115 (Carlsson), whose disclosure isincorporated herein by reference, this process is generally initiatedwith the process of taking a stereophotograph with a camera fromapproximately 50 to 150 mm away from the patient's mouth. Thestereophotograph can involve a photograph of a patient's mouth alreadyprepared with implantation devices. Correct spatial positioning of thedental implants is obtained by marking the implant in several locations.The resulting photograph presents multiple images of the same object.The images on the photographs are scanned with a reading device thatdigitizes the photographs to produce a digital image of the dentalregion. The data from the scanner is electronically transmitted to agraphical imaging program that creates a model that is displayed to theuser. After identification of the shape, position, and other details ofthe model, the ultimate step is the transmission of the data to acomputer for manufacturing.

[0011] A third scanning measure uses mechanical sensing. A mechanicalcontour sensing device, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,652,709(Andersson), whose disclosure is incorporated herein by reference, isanother method used to read a dental model and produce a prosthetictooth. The impression model is secured to a table that may rotate aboutits longitudinal axis as well as translate along the same axis withvariable speeds. A mechanical sensing unit is placed in contact with themodel at a known angle and the sensing equipment is held firmly againstthe surface of the model by a spring. When the model is rotated andtranslated, the sensing equipment can measure the changes in the contourand create an electronic representation of the data. A computer thenprocesses the electronic representation and the data from the scanningdevice to create a data array. The computer further compresses the datafor storage and/or transmission to the milling equipment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention is a healing abutment having a plurality ofexternal marking locations where markers are either present or absent.Due to the presence or absence of the markers, the physicalcharacteristics of the healing abutment are identifiable through use ofa binary-coded system. The present invention contemplates providing aset of healing abutments, each of which has unique physicalcharacteristics and a unique binary marking code that indicates thoseunique physical characteristics.

[0013] During the first or second stage of dental restoration, a healingabutment is non-rotationally fastened to the implant throughcomplimentary non-round fittings on the implant and abutment, whichusually take the form of a hexagonal boss and socket. The healingabutment is held on the implant via a screw that engages the threadedbore of the implant.

[0014] According to the invention, the presence or absence of themarkers in the marking locations may eliminate the need for animpression coping within the implant system. An impression can be takenof the mouth with the markers creating features in the impressionmaterial. The impression or a model of the impression is read or scannedsuch that the markers indicate various characteristics of the healingabutment and also the implant. Further, such a system eliminates theneed to remove the healing abutment until the permanent components areready to be installed in the patient's mouth.

[0015] Specifically, the presence or absence of the binary-coded markersin the marking locations allow the dentist to determine various physicalcharacteristics, such as the healing abutment height, healing abutmentdiameter, dimensions of the attached implant seating surface, and theorientation of the implant's fitting. It is contemplated in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention that these markinglocations containing the binary-coded markers are preferably located onthe top of the healing abutment, although it may be possible to placesome markers on the side of the healing abutment.

[0016] In other embodiments of the present invention not using thisbinary-coded system, the information markers correspond to the height ofthe abutment to be captured in an impression or subsequent scan. Forexample, a 6 mm tall healing abutment may possess six informationmarkers on the top or side surface of the healing abutment. A 4 mm tallhealing abutment may possess four information markers, and a 2 mm tallhealing abutment may possess two information markers. This markingsystem may be altered to decrease the quantity of information markersrequired on the top or side surface of the healing abutment. Forexample, it is contemplated in accordance with the present inventionthat the use of three information markers on the top or side surface mayrepresent a 6 mm tall healing abutment, two information markers mayrepresent a 4 mm tall healing abutment, and one marker may represent a 2mm tall healing abutment.

[0017] It is also contemplated that the healing abutments of the presentinvention can be manufactured in sets of healing abutments, each sethaving healing abutments of the same diameter but different healingabutment heights. Different sets of healing abutments would have healingabutments with different diameters. For example, a first set of healingabutments may contain three healing abutments, one abutment of 2 mm, 4mm, and 6 mm height, respectively, and each with a diameter of 4 mm. Asecond set of healing abutments may also have abutments with heights of2 mm, 4 mm, and 6 mm, but these abutments may have a diameter of 5 mm.Information markers at one or more marking locations distinguish notonly between the first and second set of healing abutments, but alsobetween the three healing abutments within each set.

[0018] An impression of the mouth is taken with the inventive healingabutment mounted on the implant. The impression process creates a“negative” image of the information markers in the impression materialthat change the physical shape of the top or side surface. Acorresponding mold is created from the impression. This mold, or a stonemodel created from the mold, can then be scanned. A computer program isable to create a three-dimensional perspective of the relevant jawsection of the patient, including the implant and abutment. Due to theinformation markers on the surface of the healing abutment now presentin the mold, the computer program is able to accurately analyze andproduce the appropriate dimensions of the aperture in the gingiva andthe orientation of the underlying hexagonal boss of the implant so thata clinician can instruct a milling machine to produce the permanentcomponents.

[0019] In an alternative embodiment, the scanner simply takes thenecessary information directly from the mouth of a patient without theneed for impression material whatsoever. The information markers of thehealing abutment provide the required information of the gingivalaperture and the orientation of the underlying hexagonal boss on theimplant. If a laser or photographic scanning system is used, the etchedmarkers are identified just as easily as the markers that change thephysical shape of the healing abutment.

[0020] This system allows the dentist to produce the permanentcomponents more quickly because the healing abutment does not have to beremoved in order to produce the permanent dental components. In otherwords, the second step of taking an impression with an impression copingis eliminated. The dentist also does not have to confront thedifficulties of gingival closure that appear when a healing implant isremoved. Finally, the patient is not forced to endure the somewhatpainful procedure of healing abutment removal. With the procedure of thepresent invention, the removal of the healing abutment can occur duringthe same surgery as the installation of the permanent components.

[0021] In a further alternative embodiment, it is contemplated inaccordance with the present invention that an impression coping maypossess information markers as described above and replace the standardhealing abutment during second stage dental restoration surgery. Theimpression coping and surrounding environment are scanned directly inthe mouth. An impression could also be formed and a stone model producedfrom the impression. This stone model is scanned to create the permanentprosthesis using one of the scanning techniques described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will becomeapparent upon reading the following detailed description and uponreference to the drawings.

[0023]FIG. 1a is a top view of a healing abutment.

[0024]FIG. 1b is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the healingabutment shown in FIG. 1a.

[0025]FIG. 1c is the healing abutment shown in FIG. 1b attached to animplant.

[0026]FIG. 2a is a top view of another embodiment of a healing abutment.

[0027]FIG. 2b is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the healingabutment shown in FIG. 2a.

[0028]FIG. 3a is a top view of yet another embodiment of a healingabutment.

[0029]FIG. 3b is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the healingabutment shown in FIG. 3a.

[0030]FIG. 4a is a top view of a further embodiment of the healingabutment.

[0031]FIG. 4b is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the healingabutment shown in FIG. 4a.

[0032]FIG. 5a is a top view of another embodiment of a healing abutment.

[0033]FIG. 5b is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the healingabutment shown in FIG. 5a.

[0034]FIG. 6a is a top view of another embodiment of a healing abutment.

[0035]FIG. 6b is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the healingabutment shown in FIG. 6a.

[0036]FIG. 7 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the presentapplication.

[0037]FIG. 8 is a side view of a method for stereophotographic imaging.

[0038]FIGS. 9a-9 p are top views of a plurality of healing abutmentshaving a binary-type system of information markers.

[0039]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a coordinate system of oneembodiment of the present invention.

[0040] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way ofexample in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. Itshould be understood, however, that the invention is not intended to belimited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is tocover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling withinthe spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 1a and 1 b, the healing abutment 10 of oneembodiment of the present invention has a main body 15 with a generallycircular cross-sectional shape, a first tapered section 17, a boundary19, a second tapered section 21, an end surface 23, a hex socket 25, anddimensions that are generally suitable for replicating the emergenceprofile of a natural tooth. The first tapered section 17 extendsdownward from the main body 15 of the abutment 10, having a diameter ata boundary 19 that is generally larger than the implant (not shown). Theboundary 19 separates the first tapered section 17 from the secondtapered section 21 that terminates in the end surface 23. The secondtapered section 21 is at an angle with the central axis of the implantthat is generally in the range of from about 5° to about 15°, with 10°being preferable. Alternatively, the second tapered section 21 may beomitted such that the first tapered section 17 tapers directly to thediameter of the end surface 23 of the implant. In a further embodiment,the first tapered section 17 may merge smoothly into the second taperedsection 21, without the distinct boundary 19 separating the two taperedsections 17, 21. The hexagonal orientation socket or hex 25 is formating with a hexagonal boss on the implant. The end surface 23 hasgenerally the same diameter as the seating surface of the implant.

[0042]FIG. 1b discloses the top view of the same healing abutment 10shown in FIG. 1a. As shown in FIGS. 1a and 1 b, the healing abutment 10has positive information markers 20 protruding from a top surface 29 ofthe healing abutment 10. Each of the six positive information markers 20is disposed such that it aligns with the six corners of the underlyinghex 25. It is also contemplated in accordance with the present inventionthat the six information markers 20 may also correspond to the height ofthe healing abutment. For example, two information markers maycorrespond to a 2 mm tall healing abutment and four information markersmay correspond to a 4 mm tall healing abutment. In these embodiments,the two or four information markers would still be at the corners of theunderlying hex 25 so that the relative position of the hex is known.

[0043] A socket 30 on the exposed surface of a head portion 40 of anattaching bolt 50 is shaped to accept a wrench (not shown) for turningthe attaching bolt 50 into the threaded bore of an implant 70, as shownin FIG. 1c. It is contemplated in accordance with the present inventionthat each of the healing abutments described herein and shown in thefigures can be secured to an implant by means of an attaching bolt, asis known in the art. An O-ring 60 carried on the head portion 40 of theattaching bolt 50 fills an annular gap left between the head and theentrance section near the outermost (widest) opening in the entrancesection.

[0044] A healing abutment 100 of FIG. 2a comprises many of the samefeatures as the healing abutment 10 shown in FIG. 1a. Dashed lines 125in FIG. 2b correspond to the underlying hex 125 of the healing abutment100 in FIG. 2a. A top surface 129 includes negative information markers(recesses) 120 that are displayed in FIG. 2a as dimples extending belowthe top surface 129 of the healing abutment 100. The top surface 129 ofthe healing abutment 100 also possesses six notches 130 that aremachined into the corners. The top surface 129 is generally flat andmerges into a rounded shape at the periphery of the healing abutment100.

[0045] The notches 130 are used, for example, to determine theidentification of the underlying implant hex position 125, the height ofthe healing abutment, or the diameter of the healing abutment. Thisembodiment is not limited to comprising six notches in the top surface129 of the healing abutment 100. It is also contemplated that oneembodiment of the present invention may possess four notches or even twonotches for indicative purposes. Furthermore, it is contemplated thatthe information marker and notch approach could be combined or modifiedto provide information regarding the underlying implant seating surfacediameter and implant hex angulation.

[0046] In another embodiment of the present invention, a healingabutment 200 shown in FIGS. 3a and 3 b displays four positiveinformation markers 220 shown to, for example, indicate a 4 mm tallhealing abutment 200. It is contemplated that the number of informationmarkers 220 could decrease or increase depending on the height of thehealing abutment 200 or another variable that the information markershave been designated to correspond. The positive information markers 220also define a corresponding one of the six flat surfaces of anunderlying hex 225. Furthermore, dashed lines 225 in FIG. 3b corresponddirectly to the underlying hex 225.

[0047] Two notches 230 have also been etched or machined onto a topsurface 229 of the healing abutment of FIG. 3b. These notches mayindicate the diameter of the implant's seating surface. Lines 240 arescribed on the top surface 229 of the healing abutment 200. The lines240 are used to provide positioning or other information to the dentistor laboratory. Here, the lines 240 indicate the diameter of the healingabutment (e.g., 4 mm). In summary, the number of the positiveinformation markers 220 indicates the height of the healing abutment200. The position of the positive information markers 220 indicates theorientation of the hex 225 that is the orientation of the hexagonal bosson the implant. The notches 230 indicate the diameter of the seatingsurface of the implant. The lines 240 indicate the diameter of thehealing abutment 200.

[0048] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a top surface329 of the healing abutment 300 of FIGS. 4a and 4 b comprises an etchedor machined hex 335. Corners 322 of the etched hex 335 corresponddirectly to the position of the corners of an underlying hex 325 shownin FIG. 4a. It is contemplated in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention that further information markers may be added to thehealing abutment for the dentist or laboratory to ascertain differentheights or diameters.

[0049] A top surface 429 of a healing abutment 400 shown in FIGS. 5a and5 b contains an etched or machined triangle 435. Dashed lines 425 inFIG. 5b indicate the location of an underlying hex 425. Corners 422 ofthe etched triangle 435 correspond to three of the six corners of theunderlying hex 425. Furthermore, two negative information markers 420are shown in FIG. 5b. As above, it is contemplated in accordance withthe present invention that fewer than six information markers may existto account for differing heights or diameters of the healing abutments.

[0050] Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 6aand 6 b. The healing abutment 500 displayed in FIGS. 6a and 6 b is ashorter version of the healing abutment 10 shown in FIGS. 1a and 1 b.Two positive information markers 520 are shown in FIG. 6b to identifythe height of the healing abutment 500. Dashed lines 525 of the healingabutment 500 correspond with the location and orientation of theunderlying hex 525. Two notches 530 are also shown in a top surface 529of this embodiment of the present invention to show the orientation oftwo of the underlying flats of the underlying hex 525. A numeral “4” at537 is located on the top surface 529 of the healing abutment 500 toindicate, for example, the diameter of the healing abutment 500. Asshown, the numeral “4” at 537 corresponds to a healing abutment 500 witha diameter of 4 mm. It is contemplated in accordance with the presentinvention that other numerals could be placed on the top surface 529 ofthe healing abutment 500 to indicate other healing abutment diameters.Further, it is also contemplated that the numeral could represent theheight of the healing abutment or the diameter of the underlyingimplant.

[0051] During the second stage of the prosthetic implementation processand after a healing abutment with the information markers has beenplaced, an impression of the mouth is made with only the healingabutments as described herein and without the use of an impressioncoping. A model of the impression is poured with, for example, diestone. Since the information markers are disposed on the top and/or sideof the healing abutment, the laboratory has all necessary information todefine the gingival aperture, the implant size, and the orientation ofthe underlying hex. This enables the laboratory to quickly prepare thepermanent components. The system of the present invention also allowsthe maintenance of the soft tissue surrounding the healing abutmentwhere, in prior systems, the soft tissue would close once the healingabutment was removed. The system spares the patient the pain of removingthe healing abutment.

[0052] To create a permanent prosthesis, the dental region is scanned,as described above, from a stone model, from the impression material, ordirectly in the mouth using a laser scanning technique, a photographicscanning technique, or a mechanical sensing technique. FIG. 8 showsstereophotographic imaging, one method used for scanning.Stereophotography with a camera 703 is performed directly on the mouthcavity 705 of the patient 707. A clinician can photograph implants andother components that have been placed into or adjacent the patient'sjawbone 709.

[0053] The scanned information is then transferred into a graphicalimaging program for analysis. The graphical imaging software program,due to the information markers on the surface of the healing abutment,can perform a wide variety of functions. The graphical imaging programcan scan an opposing cast in order to develop an opposing occlusalscheme and relate this information back to the primary model. Thisfeature is extremely important because many clinical patients haveimplants in both maxillary and mandibular locations.

[0054] The graphical imaging software program is capable of generating athree-dimensional image of the emergence profile contours used on thehealing abutment.

[0055] If the implant is not placed in the desired esthetic location,the software program relocates the position of the restoration emergencethrough the soft tissue. The graphical imaging software program is alsoable to accurately relate the gingival margin for all mold, model,implant, and abutment dimensions. The software creates a transparenttooth outline for superimposition within the edentulous site. Theocclusal outline of the “ghost” tooth should, if possible, be accurateand based on the scanned opposing occlusal dimensions. It iscontemplated in accordance with the present invention that an occlusaloutline is created by scanning a wax-up in order to maintain a properplane of occlusion and healing abutment height.

[0056] The software program subtracts a given dimension from the mesial,distal, buccal, lingual, and occlusal areas of the superimposed toothdimension. This allows for an even reduction of the healing abutmentduring fabrication for proper thickness of the overlying materials(e.g., gold, porcelain, targis, etc.). The graphical imaging softwareprogram also incorporates angulation measurements into the customabutment and subsequently calculates the dimensions of the prosthesisthat are checked and modified, if necessary, by a laboratory technician.Each of the features is analyzed and determined from the differentinformation markers that exist on the healing abutments of the presentinvention.

[0057] The final dimensional information determined by the graphicalimaging computer program is transferred from the computer to a millingmachine (e.g., a 5 axis milling machine) to fabricate the customabutment. It is contemplated in accordance with the present inventionthat the custom abutment can be fashioned from gold or titanium or othersimilar metals or composites. A custom milled coping can then befabricated. It is contemplated in accordance with the present inventionthat the custom milled coping can be formed from titanium, plastic,gold, ceramic, or other similar metals and composites.

[0058]FIG. 7 shows the exploded view of another embodiment of thepresent invention. A cap 602 is placed on a healing abutment 600 andlater removed during the process of taking the impression of the healingimplant and surrounding features of the patient's mouth. It iscontemplated in accordance with the present invention that the cap 602could be formed from plastic or metal or a composite material. As shownin FIG. 7, notches 604 are formed in the side(s) of the healing abutment600. These notches correspond to notches 606 that have been preformed inthe cap 602. When the cap 602 is placed on the healing abutment 600, thecap only fits snugly and properly if the number of notches 606 in thecap 602 correspond exactly to the number of notches 604 in the sidewall(s) of the healing abutment. It is contemplated in accordance withthe present invention that there could be many less or more notches thanis depicted in FIG. 7. These notches correspond to informationparameters such as healing abutment height, healing abutment, and/orimplant diameter, and other parameters as listed above.

[0059] Specifically, after the healing abutment has been secured to theimplant, the cap 602 is securely placed over the top of the healingabutment 600. The impression material is then placed over the top of thecap 602. The impression is then either scanned in the patient's mouth orthe impression material (with the cap 602) is scanned and the processcontinues as described above.

[0060]FIGS. 9a-9 p depict yet another embodiment of the presentinvention. Specifically, FIGS. 9a-9 p show the top view of a pluralityof healing abutments, each of which has four marking locations on thetop surface of the healing abutment. For each healing abutment, a markeris either present or absent in each of the four marking locations, andthe presence or absence can be interpreted either visually or by ascanning device. As explained below in detail, the markers in themarking locations permit identification of healing abutmentcharacteristics, such as dimensions of the healing abutment.

[0061] In FIGS. 9a-9 p, the four rows correspond to four differenthealing abutment heights (e.g., 3 mm, 4 mm, 6 mm, and 8 mm). The fourcolumns of the coding key correspond to four different diameters of thehealing abutment seating surfaces (e.g., 3.4 mm, 4.1 mm, 5.0 mm, and 6.0mm). Accordingly, sixteen unique healing abutments are present.

[0062] The top surface of each of the healing abutments has from zero tofour information markers located in the four marking locations. As shownin FIGS. 9a-9 p, the marking locations extend radially from a centralregion of the healing abutment to the outer region of the top surface ofthe healing abutments (i.e., at locations of 12 o'clock, 3 o'clock, 6o'clock, and 9 o'clock).

[0063] As is well known, a binary-coded system exists as an array ofdigits, where the digits are either “1” or “0” that represent twostates, respectively, ON and OFF. For each marking location, thepresence of a marker (“ON”) is a 1 and the absence of a marker (“OFF”)is a 0. By grouping sets of 1's and 0's together, information about eachhealing abutment is known. In the illustrative embodiment, thedetermination of the sets of 1's and 0's derived from the informationmarkers (e.g., via visual inspection, scanning in the mouth, scanning ofthe impression, or scanning of the model created by the impression)provide information on the height of the healing abutment and thediameter of the seating surface of the attached implant.

[0064] The information markers shown in FIGS. 9a-9 p are in the form ofgrooves having rounded cross-sections. The present invention, however,provides that the cross-section of these grooves can be rectangular,triangular, or various other shapes. When an impression is created fromthe healing abutment, the grooved marking locations produce a protruding“mound”-like element in the impression. This impression is then scannedso that identifying features regarding the healing abutment can beobtained. Alternatively, a model of the patient's mouth is created fromthe impression such that the markings are again grooves in the modelthat substantially replicate the grooves in the healing abutments. Ofcourse, the markers could also be protrusions instead of grooves.Further, if the unique characteristics of the healing abutment are to beidentified through scanning in the mouth or simply visual scanning bythe clinician, then markers not producing features in impressionmaterial, such as etched or laser marking, may also be used.

[0065] Turning now to the specifics of each healing abutment, FIG. 9aillustrates a top view of a healing abutment 801 that includesorientation pick-ups 802. These orientation pick-ups 802 are alsopresent in each of the healing abutments shown in FIGS. 9b-9 p. The mostcounterclockwise of the orientation pick-ups 802 (i.e., the horizontalpick-up at the lower region of FIGS. 9a-9 p) is always parallel to oneflat of the implant hex, as viewed from the top of the healing abutment.As shown, the orientation pick-ups 802 are a pair of bevels on the sidesof the healing abutments in FIGS. 9a-9 p. Alternatively, the orientationpick-ups 802 can be grooves or protruding ridges, as well.

[0066] The orientation pick-ups 802 serve a second function in that theydictate which of the four marking locations is the first markinglocation. The other three marking locations are then read in clockwiseorder, proceeding from the most counterclockwise pick-up 802 to theother three marking locations on the top surface of the healingabutment. In other words, as illustrated in FIGS. 9a-9 p, theinformation marker at 6 o'clock is the first digit in the binary code,the information marker at 9 o'clock is the second digit in the binarycode, the information marker at 12 o'clock is the third digit in thebinary code, and the information marker at 3 o'clock is the fourth digitin the binary code. In summary, the position of the orientation pick-ups802 allows for the determination of the position of one of the hex flatsof the healing abutment (and, likewise, one of the hex flats on theimplant), and also the starting point to check for the presence orabsence of information markers.

[0067] The results of a scan (computer or visual) of the fourinformation markers on the healing abutment 801 produce no informationmarkers at the four marking locations on the healing abutment 801 ofFIG. 9a. Thus, the binary code for the healing abutment 801 is 0000,indicating that no grooved marker is present in any of the fourpredetermined positions. Since the coding key is preset (on a chart orin computer software), the binary code 0000 indicates that the healingabutment 801 is a resident of first row and first column of the matrixdepicted by FIG. 9, having a height of 3 mm and a seating surfacediameter of 3.4 mm. Thus, the three distinct pieces of informationobtained from the top of the healing abutment allow the clinician orlaboratory to know (i) the orientation of the hex of the implant, (ii)the height of the healing abutment (i.e., the location of the implant'sseating surface below the healing abutment), and (iii) the seatingsurface diameter of the healing abutment (or the size of the implant'sseating surface).

[0068] The healing abutment 806 in FIG. 9b possesses a binary code of0100 because only one information marker 807 is present in the secondmarking location. Thus, it is understood from the binary code that thehealing abutment 806 is 3 mm in height and has a seating surfacediameter of 4.1 mm. The two healing abutments 811, 816 in FIGS. 9c, 9 dhave binary codes of 1000 and 1100, respectively. Healing abutment 811has an information marker 812 in the first marking location, whilehealing abutment 816 has information markers 817, 818 in the first twolocations. Thus, the unique characteristics of these two healingabutments are known. The healing abutments 821, 826, 831, 836 shown inFIGS. 9e-9 h and having heights of 4 mm, but with varying seatingsurface diameters, would be interpreted as having binary codes 0010,0110, 1010, and 1110, respectively. Healing abutment 821 has oneinformation marker 822 present in the third marking location, thusresulting in a binary code of 0010, which is indicative of a healingabutment height of 4 mm and a seating surface diameter of 3.4 mm.Similar analyses on healing abutment 826 with information markers 827,828, healing abutment 831 with information markers 832, 833, and healingabutment 836 with information markers 837, 838, 839 allow determinationsof the unique characteristics of these healing abutments.

[0069] The healing abutments 841, 846, 851, 856 shown in FIGS. 9i-9 land having heights of 6 mm, but with varying seating surface diameters,would be interpreted as having binary codes 0001, 0101, 1001, and 1101,respectively. Healing abutment 841 has one information marker 842present in the fourth marking location, thus resulting in a binary codeof 0001, which is indicative of a healing abutment height of 6 mm and aseating surface diameter of 3.4 mm. Similar analyses on healing abutment846 with information markers 847, 848, healing abutment 851 withinformation markers 852, 853, and healing abutment 856 with informationmarkers 857, 858, 859 allow determinations of the unique characteristicsof these healing abutments.

[0070] The healing abutments 861, 866, 871, 876 shown in FIGS. 9m-9 pand having heights of 8 mm, but with varying seating surface diameters,would be interpreted as having binary codes 0011, 0111, 1011, and 1111,respectively. Healing abutment 861 has two information markers 862, 863,which is indicative of a healing abutment height of 8 mm and a seatingsurface diameter of 3.4 mm. Similar analyses on healing abutment 866with information markers 867, 868, 869, healing abutment 871 withinformation markers 872, 873, 874, and healing abutment 876 withinformation markers 877, 878, 879, 880 allow determinations of theunique characteristics of these healing abutments.

[0071] While the matrix of the sixteen healing abutments in FIGS. 9a-9 pshow four implant seating surface diameters and four heights, the matrixcould include other physical characteristics of the healing abutment.For example, the maximum diameter of the healing abutment could beinformation obtainable through the binary-coded system. The type offitting on the healing abutment and, thus, the implant (i.e., internalhex or external hex) could be provided. Information unrelated to thehealing abutment, but related to only the implant, could be used. Forexample, the manufacturer of the implant could be noted. Or, informationregarding the type of screw that mates with the internally thread boreof the implant could be provided.

[0072] Further, while FIGS. 9a-9 p demonstrate the ability of the fourdigit, binary-coded system to provide two physical characteristics ofthe healing abutment, it could provide three or more physicalcharacteristics. For example, two seating surface sizes, four heights,and two maximum diameters would provide sixteen unique healingabutments. If more information were needed, a fifth marking locationcould be added to provide the opportunity for displaying thirty-twophysical characteristics of the healing abutments and/or implant. And,while one marking location has been shown with marker, it is possible tohave two or more markers in each marking location. For example, onecircumferential groove and one radial groove within one location couldrepresent two digits of a binary system. Alternatively, having twowidths possible for each groove could provide additional indiciarepresentative of certain information about the healing abutment.

[0073] While the invention has been described with round healingabutments, healing abutments anatomically shaped like teeth can takeadvantage of the information markers. Thus, the set of healing abutmentscould include components shaped like the various teeth, and theinformation markers could provide the information regarding which toothshape is present on the healing abutment. For example, a set may includefour types of molar-shaped healing abutments, four types ofbicuspid-shaped healing abutments, four types of incisor-shaped healingabutments and four types of round abutments. The four information markerlocations on each component in the set provide the information todetermine which one of the sixteen healing abutments is being used.

[0074] It is contemplated that the present invention also covers a setof eight unique healing abutments (as opposed to the sixteen shown)requiring only three marking locations. The computer software and/or thevisual chart in this situation would identify these eight unique healingabutments through binary codes possessing three digits. The potentialbinary codes corresponding to an ON or OFF determination at the threemarking locations are 000, 100, 010, 001, 110, 101, 011, and 111.Similarly, if the set has only four unique healing abutments, only twomarking locations would be required on the healing abutments todetermine features regarding the healing abutment and the attacheddental implant. The potential binary codes in a four healing abutmentmatrix are 00, 10, 01, and 11.

[0075] After the top surface of a healing abutment (or the impression ofthe top surface, or the model of the impression of the top surface) isanalyzed, the orientation of the hex is known from the location of theorientation pick-ups 802 and, via the binary code, the abutment heightand the seating surface of the healing abutment is known. Otherinformation regarding the healing abutment and the attached implant canalso be determined by adding other markers of the type previously shown.

[0076] In addition to the markers described, it is further possible toprovide a bar-coded system for providing information about theparticular component. The bar code can be located on the top surface onthe healing abutment such that it can be scanned or read easily. Thus,the bar code would provide the same type of information described abovewith respect to the information markers.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 10, when scanning techniques are used to learnof the information on the top of the healing abutment, the computersoftware is able to determine the position and orientation of theimplant 900 relative to the adjacent teeth. The position of the implant900 is defined in a Cartesian coordinate system having “X,” “Y,” and “Z”axes. The common point is at the intersection of the centerline of theimplant and a plane 920 representing the seating surface 925 of theimplant 900.

[0078] As noted above, the information markers assist in determining theheight of the healing abutment above the implant. This height can beused to identify the zero point on the “Z” axis, which is in the plane920 containing the seating surface 925 of the implant 900. The “Y” axis910 is within the plane 920 representing the seating surface 925 withthe positive “Y” direction as close to the direction of facial to buccalas possible. The “X” axis 915 is in the plane 920 and is perpendicularto an implant hex face. Thus, the width of the seating surface 925 inthe plane 920 is known, as is the width of the healing abutment emergingthrough the gingiva. Thus, the emergence profile of the artificial toothis known, as well.

[0079] While the present invention has been described with reference toone or more particular embodiments, those skilled in the art willrecognize that many changes may be made thereto without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the present invention. Each of these embodimentsand obvious variations thereof is contemplated as falling within thespirit and scope of the present invention, which is set forth in theclaims that follow.

1-36 Canceled
 37. A method of manufacturing a custom-abutment, themethod comprising the acts of: installing a dental implant into a firstinstallation site in bone having overlying gingiva in a mouth; attachinga gingival healing abutment to the dental implant, the gingival healingabutment having binary-coded markers for identifying physicalcharacteristics of the gingival healing abutment; taking an impressionof the mouth including the first installation site; preparing a stonemodel based on the impression, the stone model including teeth modelsand model markers indicative of the binary-coded markers; scanning themodel; generating scan data from the scanning of the model; transferringthe scan data to a graphical imaging software program; creating athree-dimensional image of the installation site; determining the modelmarkers to gather information for manufacturing the custom-abutment;developing custom-abutment dimensional information based on thethree-dimensional image and the information gathered from thebinary-coded markers; transferring the custom-abutment dimensionalinformation to a milling machine; and fabricating the custom-abutment onthe milling machine utilizing the custom-abutment dimensionalinformation.
 38. The method of claim 37, wherein scanning the modelincludes scanning the installation site and the opposing occlusal area.39. The method of claim 37, wherein determining the model markers togather information includes determining location of an implant tableinformation.
 40. The method of claim 37, wherein determining the modelmarkers to gather information includes determining orientation of animplant non-rotational feature.
 41. The method of claim 37, whereindetermining the model markers to gather information includes determininga size of implant table information.
 42. The method of claim 37, whereinthe scanning is a laser scanning technique.
 43. The method of claim 37,wherein the scanning is a mechanical sensing technique.
 44. The methodof claim 37, wherein the scanning is a photographic scanning technique.45. The method of claim 44, wherein the photographic scanning techniqueis a stereophotographic imaging technique.
 46. The method of claim 37,wherein creating the three-dimensional image of the installation siteincludes emergence profile contours used on the healing abutment. 47.The method of claim 37, further comprising the acts of: comparing anactual location of the dental implant in the first installation sitewith a desired location of the dental implant in the first installationsite; and relocating an abutment emergence location through the gingivaltissue when the actual dental implant location does not correspond withthe desired implant location.
 48. The method of claim 37, whereindetermining the model markers to gather information includes determiningthe model markers using the graphical imaging software program.
 49. Themethod of claim 37, wherein determining the model markers to gatherinformation includes determining the model markers using visualscanning.
 50. A method of manufacturing a custom-abutment, the methodcomprising the acts of: installing a dental implant into a firstinstallation site in bone having overlying gingiva in a mouth; attachinga gingival healing abutment to the dental implant, the gingival healingabutment having binary-coded markers for identifying physicalcharacteristics of the gingival healing abutment; taking an impressionof the mouth including the first installation site; preparing a stonemodel of the based on the impression, the stone model including teethmodels and model markers indicative of the binary-coded markers;scanning the model; generating scan data from the scanning of the model;transferring the scan data to a graphical imaging software program;creating a three-dimensional image of the installation site using thescan data; determining the model markers to gather information formanufacturing the custom-abutment; developing a prosthetic tooth outlinebased on the information and the three-dimensional image; developingcustom-abutment dimensional information by subtracting given dimensionsfrom areas of the prosthetic tooth outline with the graphical imagingsoftware program; transferring the custom-abutment dimensionalinformation from the graphical imaging software program to a millingmachine; and fabricating the custom-abutment on the milling machineutilizing the custom-abutment dimensional information.
 51. The method ofclaim 50, wherein scanning the model includes scanning the installationsite and the opposing occlusal area.
 52. The method of claim 50, whereindetermining the model markers to gather information includes determininglocation of an implant table information.
 53. The method of claim 50,wherein determining the model markers to gather information includesdetermining orientation of an implant hex on the implant tableinformation.
 54. The method of claim 50, wherein determining the modelmarkers to gather information includes determining a size of implanttable information.
 55. The method of claim 50, wherein the scanning is alaser scanning technique.
 56. The method of claim 50, wherein thescanning is a mechanical sensing technique.
 57. The method of claim 50,wherein the scanning is a photographic scanning technique.
 58. Themethod of claim 57, wherein the photographic scanning technique is astereophotographic imaging technique.
 59. The method of claim 50,wherein creating the three-dimensional image of the installation siteincludes emergence profile contours used on the healing abutment. 60.The method of claim 50, further comprising the acts of: comparing anactual location of the dental implant in the first installation sitewith a desired location of the dental implant in the first installationsite; and relocating an abutment emergence location through the gingivaltissue when the actual dental implant location does not correspond withthe desired implant location.
 61. The method of claim 50, wherein thedeveloping custom-abutment dimensional information by subtracting givendimensions from the mesial, distal, buccal, lingual, and occlusal areasof the prosthetic tooth outline.
 62. The method of claim 50, whereindetermining the model markers to gather information includes determiningthe model markers using the graphical imaging software program.
 63. Themethod of claim 50, wherein determining the model markers to gatherinformation includes determining the model markers using visualscanning.
 64. A method of manufacturing a custom-abutment, the methodcomprising the acts of: installing a dental implant into a firstinstallation site in bone having overlying gingiva in a mouth; attachinga gingival healing abutment to the dental implant, the gingival healingabutment having binary-coded markers for identifying physicalcharacteristics of the gingival healing abutment; generating scan dataincluding teeth data and binary-coded markers data; transferring thescan data to a graphical imaging software program; creating athree-dimensional image of the installation site; determining thebinary-coded markers to gather information for manufacturing thecustom-abutment; developing custom-abutment dimensional informationbased on the three-dimensional image and the information gathered fromthe binary-coded markers; transferring the custom-abutment dimensionalinformation to a milling machine; and fabricating the custom-abutment onthe milling machine utilizing the custom-abutment dimensionalinformation.
 65. The method of claim 64, wherein the generating scandata includes scanning the mouth including the first installation site.66. The method of claim 64, wherein the generating scan data includesscanning an impression of the mouth including the first installationsite.
 67. The method of claim 64, wherein the generating scan dataincludes scanning a stone model of the mouth including the firstinstallation site.
 68. A method of manufacturing a custom-abutment, themethod comprising the acts of: installing a dental implant into a firstinstallation site in bone having overlying gingiva in a mouth; attachinga gingival healing abutment to the dental implant, the gingival healingabutment having at least one informational marker for identifyingphysical characteristics of the gingival healing abutment; taking animpression of the mouth including the installation site; preparing astone model based on the impression, the stone model including teethmodels and model markers indicative of the at least one informationalmarker; scanning the model; generating scan data from the scanning ofthe model; transferring the scan data to a graphical imaging softwareprogram; creating a three-dimensional image of the installation site;determining the model markers to gather information for manufacturingthe custom-abutment; developing custom-abutment dimensional informationbased on the three-dimensional image and the information gathered fromthe model markers; transferring the custom-abutment dimensionalinformation to a milling machine; and fabricating the custom-abutment onthe milling machine utilizing the custom-abutment dimensionalinformation.
 69. The method of claim 68, wherein the scanning is a laserscanning technique.
 70. The method of claim 68, wherein the scanning isa mechanical sensing technique.
 71. The method of claim 68, wherein thescanning is a photographic scanning technique.
 72. The method of claim68, wherein the photographic scanning technique is a stereophotographicimaging technique.
 73. The method of claim 68, wherein the at least oneinformational marker is a binary coded marker.
 74. The method of claim68, wherein the at least one informational marker is a positiveinformational marker.
 75. The method of claim 68, wherein the at leastone informational marker is a negative informational marker.
 76. Themethod of claim 68, wherein the at least one informational marker is anotch.
 77. The method of claim 68, wherein the at least oneinformational marker is a bar code.
 78. The method of claim 68, whereindetermining the model markers to gather information includes determiningthe model markers using the graphical imaging software program.
 79. Themethod of claim 68, wherein determining the model markers to gatherinformation includes determining the model markers using visualscanning.
 80. A method of manufacturing a custom-abutment, the methodcomprising the acts of: installing a dental implant into a firstinstallation site in bone having overlying gingiva in a mouth; attachinga gingival healing abutment to the dental implant, the gingival healingabutment having at least one informational marker for identifyingphysical characteristics of the gingival healing abutment; generatingscan data including teeth data and informational marker data;transferring the scan data to a graphical imaging software program;creating a three-dimensional image of the installation site; determiningthe at least one informational marker to gather information formanufacturing the custom-abutment; developing custom-abutmentdimensional information based on the three-dimensional image and theinformation gathered from the at least one marker; transferring thecustom-abutment dimensional information to a milling machine; andfabricating the custom-abutment on the milling machine utilizing thecustom-abutment dimensional information.
 81. The method of claim 80,wherein the generating scan data includes scanning the mouth includingthe first installation site.
 82. The method of claim 80, wherein thegenerating scan data includes scanning an impression of the mouthincluding the first installation site.
 83. The method of claim 80,wherein the generating scan data includes scanning a stone model of themouth including the first installation site.
 84. The method of claim 80,wherein the at least one informational marker is a binary coded marker.85. The method of claim 80, wherein the at least one informationalmarker is a positive informational marker.
 86. The method of claim 80,wherein the at least one informational marker is a negativeinformational marker.
 87. The method of claim 80, wherein the at leastone informational marker is a notch.
 88. The method of claim 80, whereinthe at least one informational marker is a bar code.